Toddlers love to move, stretch and jump.
Teachers can introduce kids to new ways of moving their little bodies in entertaining and
constructive ways. All forms of dance, gymnastics and creative movement can be very
beneficial. Kids should be introduced to exercise and physical exercise as early as
possible. It might take a little more money, but in the long run it can pay off.
Introducing your child to dance is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. Dance
promotes discipline, coordination,

Memory, flexibility, strength, line,
grace and stamina. Performing builds positive self esteem, confidence, helps with other
sports and is just great fun! All kids are capable of relating and understanding basic
techniques that are shown to them and demonstrated properly. The vocabulary they learn
through dance can help them express themselves through movement and naturally incorporate
it into their lives so they can grow up healthy, active, productive adults.

Signing your child up in dance as soon as
possible can be a great thing for him/her. Look for opportunities that your childs
school my offer in classes and after  school programs. Many recreation centers also
offer classes at very affordable rates.

As long as children can listen and stay
focused, no age is too young to get them started. Of course, forcing children into any
activity is never healthy. Its important to observe how they respond. Most places
and programs offer a "trial class. This way you can "check it out" and see
how your child responds.

For the real little ones Mommy/Daddy and
Me classes can be a great way to spend quality time with your children. You can even
practice with them at home. Keep in mind that dancing is a great activity for adults too.
It can help parents release tension, so let go and have fun! After all, we are all
just little kids at heart.

If you notice that your child really
shows an interest in a specific style of dance, its wise to invest in a class or
school that focuses on that style, such as ballet, jazz, hip- hop or gymnastics. In my
classes I like to introduce to all the above to keep the class interesting so they
dont get bored. Kids attention span is about 45 minutes, so teachers always
have to keep it fresh. As children get older and more serious, the length of the class and
the amount of class per week my increase. Again, it might mean more running around for
you, but if your child is fortunate enough to find something he or she loves to do,
its well worth the extra time and money. Im the oldest of five kids and my
parents ran around for all of us (ballet, jazz, soccer, gymnastics, music, football,
cricket). I don' know how they did it, but Im so grateful because I am now
blessed to be making a living doing what I love.

Try to find a teacher who inspires and
has a true love and passion for what he or she teaches. It might be difficult, but be
persistent because they are out there. And these days especially, teachers should be
positive role models. The classroom, no matter what class it is, should be a sacred place,
after the home, to install the seeds of success. Remember the 4 Ds: DISCIPLINE, DETERMINATION, DEDICATION, DESIRE. Dance class can
help your child conquer all four.